Chapter 1, A Theory Summary and Analysis

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian zoologist, explains how he develops a theory on how the Pacific islands were originally settled from South America. While on a zoological expedition with his wife to the island of Fatu Hiva, they discuss the constant trade winds that blow from east to west, Thor's first piece of the puzzle. Had people from South America, 4,000 nautical miles away, taken advantage of the trade winds at some remote time in the past?

The Pacific Islanders, or Polynesians, have a common oral history that agrees on their origin. An old man named Tei Tetua tells the story. In ancient times, a chief-god named Kon Tiki brought his people to the islands. The chief-god had white skin and a beard, and belonged to an advanced culture that built stepped pyramids. Additionally, the large sculptures on Easter...